# Letter 107: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa recounts a heated debate with Lovelace, who demands more of her time and company. She rebukes his impertinence and insists on her independence. Lovelace apologizes and proposes a speedy marriage, but Clarissa, torn between her situation and her pride, rejects the offer and resolves to distance herself from him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her right to control her own time and actions, resisting Lovelace's demands and rejecting his proposal despite her vulnerable situation.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace's professed sincerity and humility are contrasted with Clarissa's suspicion of his true motives and her recognition of his manipulative rhetoric.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates the letter; expresses regret and dissatisfaction with Lovelace, insists on her autonomy, and rejects his marriage proposal.

### Robert Lovelace

Demands Clarissa's company, apologizes for his behavior, and proposes a speedy marriage, but is rebuffed.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa seeks her advice and acquittal regarding the handling of Lovelace's proposal.

### Mr. Hickman

Mentioned as the friend through whom Clarissa sends her letter.

### Mrs. Greme

Referenced as having left Clarissa; Lovelace mentions her in the context of privacy and servants.

## Key lines

> I always loved writing, and my unhappy situation gives me now enough of it; and you, I fear, too much.

Clarissa says she has always enjoyed writing, but her current troubles give her too much to write about, and she worries she is burdening Anna with her letters.

_Opens the letter with a reflection on her circumstances and her correspondence with Anna._

> I told him plainly that I should never be in humour with myself for meeting him; nor with him, for seducing me away: that my regrets increased, instead of diminished: that my reputation was wounded: that nothing I could do would now retrieve it.

Clarissa states she will never forgive herself for meeting Lovelace or forgive him for luring her away, as her regrets grow and her reputation is irreparably damaged.

_Highlights Clarissa's deep regret and sense of lost honor after eloping._

> He begged my pardon with great humility: he was afraid I would think he deserved no other answer, but that of a contemptuous silence. True love was fearful of offending.

Lovelace apologizes humbly, saying he fears Clarissa might respond with silent contempt, and claims that true love is afraid to cause offense.

_Lovelace's manipulative use of humility and the rhetoric of love to sway Clarissa._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-107-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
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